TO SAY the Residents are shrouded in mystery would be a gross understatement. The anonymous troupe of multimedia artists has been around for more than 20 years, released more than 60 albums, produced several short films and performed around the world. But despite their massive catalog and long history, the group has managed to keep its identities secret while allowing speculations, rumor and hearsay to turn its story into a myth. Performing in their now-iconic eyeball head masks and channeling all communication through their representatives at the Cryptic Corporation, The Residents are the essence of avant-garde.

Robert Plant and Alison Krauss

WELL, for those of you who were waiting to see Robert Plant when he tours with Led Zeppelin, you might not want to hold your breath. On Sept. 29 of this year, he released a statement saying he has "no intention whatsoever of touring with anyone for at least the next two years." Of the rumors of the reunion tour, Plant says, "It's both frustrating and ridiculous for this story to continue to rear its head when all the musicians that surround the story are keen to get on with their individual projects and move forward." So I guess that's that, at least for now. Meantime, Plant's recent collaboration with Alison Krauss is an excellent one, with Krauss lending the youthfulness of her voice to Plant's inimitable (yet recently limited range in range) singing voice. The duo tour in support of their album Raising Sand, an extended ode to Americana music.

Bonnie Raitt

IN MAY, Bonnie Raitt made a headlining appearance at the Santa Cruz Blues Festival; anyone who saw the show will tell you the veteran blues diva still has the goods. Whether she was churning out a five-minute guitar solo on her Strat or crooning any one of her contemporary blues hits, Raitt stood out as a top performer, even with the presence of legendary soul-icon Al Green. Santa Cruz guitarist Mike Schermer said it best: "You look at some famous musicians, and you scratch your head and wonder how it happened. But with others you understand immediately. Bonnie is one of those people."